The COP31 Presidency has announced an ambitious global target to increase the share of final energy demand met by electricity from just over 20 percent today to 35 percent by 2035, as part of a broader Action Agenda aimed at accelerating climate action and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
COP31 President-Designate and Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, unveiled the target during the Bonn Climate Change Conference, describing electrification as a key pillar in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement and keeping global warming within 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
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The proposed “35% by 2035” target is backed by analysis from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The COP31 Presidency also announced plans to build a global coalition to support countries in implementing policies and investments needed to achieve the goal.
Beyond electrification, the Presidency introduced a range of new initiatives under its Action Agenda, including a target to halve the growth of global waste by 2035. The initiative forms part of COP31’s thematic focus on achieving zero waste and reducing emissions from food waste, which currently accounts for about 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The Presidency also announced a new target under its Resilient Cities agenda to reduce energy consumption intensity in buildings by at least 25 percent by 2035, a move expected to lower energy costs for households and businesses while improving energy efficiency.
Additional initiatives under development include programmes focused on food security, circular materials in manufacturing, climate education, and a Climate Implementation Bridge designed to help countries better align climate, economic and development priorities while accelerating access to climate finance.
To support implementation of the electrification agenda, the COP31 Presidency and Australia have commissioned the IEA to prepare two special reports. One will outline pathways for increasing global electrification to 35 percent by 2035, while the other will assess the climate and economic benefits of reducing waste growth and expanding circular waste management systems.
Electrification Key to Energy Security
Speaking at the launch, Murat Kurum said the Action Agenda was designed to move beyond negotiations and focus on practical implementation.
By electrifying daily life, from transport to buildings and industry, we can protect families and businesses from volatile energy markets. This ‘35% by 2035’ target will be one of the defining priorities of our COP31 Presidency,” he said.
He added that while the target is global, countries would be supported according to their respective development circumstances through technical assistance, capacity-building and financial support.
Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy and President of Negotiations for COP31, Chris Bowen, described electrification as one of the fastest ways to strengthen energy security while lowering emissions.
Accelerating the energy transition will ease shocks to our energy systems, better protect our economies and households from high costs, and help keep bending the curve of emissions downwards,” Bowen said.
Global Climate Leaders Back Initiative
Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Simon Stiell, welcomed the initiative, noting that electrification, energy-efficient cities and waste reduction are critical to addressing the climate crisis while improving economic resilience.
The Executive Director of the IEA, Fatih Birol, said the current global energy landscape is accelerating the world’s transition into what he described as the “Age of Electricity,” driven by growing demand from electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, air conditioning and industrial activity.
He noted that increasing electrification would improve energy security, lower costs and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Similarly, Director-General of IRENA, Francesco La Camera, endorsed the target, stating that electrification powered by renewable energy remains one of the most practical and cost-effective pathways for reducing emissions and enhancing economic competitiveness.
The Global Renewables Alliance also backed the initiative, with Chief Executive Officer Bruce Douglas describing electrification as one of the most powerful tools available to reduce exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets while driving investment, innovation and economic growth.
The announcements mark the first major elements of the COP31 Action Agenda ahead of the climate summit, which will be hosted in Antalya, Türkiye, and are expected to shape global discussions on climate implementation, energy transition and sustainable development over the coming year.
